The residents of Society Hill, SC are reaping the benefits from a $10,000 sub award as a part of a cooperative agreement between Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Community Resource Connection Inc. 

Dick Baird, retired organic farmer, and Christy Beasley, Community Health Educator, began the community garden with the desire to help the 450 people of Society Hill gain access to fresh, local produce. 

“We can all enjoy nature’s abundance,” said Baird. He said he is passionate about gardening and thankful for what this NRCS grant has done for his community’s interest in gardening. “People have been coming out gardening, donating funds, and even doing plant swaps here.” 

Ann English, NRCS State Conservationist, said funding provided through national leadership and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to NRCS allows South Carolina communities to benefit through technical and financial conservation assistance.  

The funds for this community garden were awarded in February 2023 and was initially 2,500 sq. ft. Since June 2023, the garden has expanded to 5,000 sq. ft. Beasley said even more expansion is on the horizon. 

“We are planning for a chicken area, children’s garden, and bringing in some fruit trees,” said Beasley. 

While Beasley noted specific plants on the horizon, Baird said the community can determine what to sow here. “They have total freedom to decide what to plant.” 

More information about community gardens, contact NRCS Darvis Jordan at Darvis.Jordan@usda.gov. 

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